Orinda resident Theodore Ellis Terstegge (Ted), San Francisco native, died quietly in his sleep from kidney failure, Oct. 10, at age 84.
Ted joined the Navy after high school, graduating from City College of San Francisco on his return. In college, he met and married Marilynn Santos, from Martinez. They have two children, a son, Teddy, and daughter Martha.
Ted worked for 36 years as a refrigeration serviceman. The love of his life, however, was inventing. He spent spare time working on drill press, milling machine and lathe in his workshop. He has two patents, one for a speed wrench vice handle.
Ted had a stroke in 2001, but never gave up on life though partially paralyzed and had to relearn to speak and walk again. He spent the last couple of years in a wheelchair.
Ted lived a life of outdoor adventures; he loved archery, backpacking, camping and hiking, target shooting, photography and music. Ted was an inventor and machinist. He loved trains, old cars, boats, planes, machinery, and historical places.
Ted was known for his wacky sense of humor, adventurous spirit and unfailingly positive attitude. He lived each day with a sense of joy and appreciation.
Ted will be sorely missed by his family: 59-year partner, Marilynn; son and daughter; daughter-in-law, Nancy and grandson Christopher; brother Bill, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and associates in the refrigeration industry.
Due to COVID no memorial will be held now, but hopefully a Celebration of Life at a future date. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA